Numb

Chapter 128: Numb

MIA

The house was too quiet. It had always been big, always been a little too empty but now, it felt hollow—like a shell of what it used to be.

I sat on the couch, staring at the untouched plate of food in front of me. Aunt Cecilia had brought it over, placing it on the table with a look that told me she expected me to eat. But I couldn’t.

I hadn’t eaten much since the hospital.

Every time I tried, nausea crept up my throat, forcing me to push the plate away. I picked up the glass of whiskey instead, the liquid burning my throat. I'm not someone that drank, but alcohol was the only thing that numbed the ache I felt in my chest.

Dad was gone, my love was gone. My entire world had shattered overnight, and I had no idea how to put the pieces back together.

I let out a shaky breath, my fingers tightening around the glass.

I used to sit here with Dad, curled up beside him while he watched the news. I remembered the way he used to shake his head, muttering under his breath about how politicians were all liars. I’d roll my eyes, teasing him about how he was turning into an old man.

Ethan used to sit across from us, laughing at our bickering.

Now they are both gone and I was alone.

The front door opened, and I barely turned my head. Footsteps approached, and then a familiar voice broke through the silence.

"Mia."

I closed my eyes, gripping the glass tighter.

Marvin was home.

I didn’t respond, just took another sip of whiskey.

He sighed. "How have you been faring?"

I let out a hollow laugh. "Just numb."

"My love," He stepped closer, his voice softer. "I’m so sorry, Mia."

I didn’t want his pity. I didn’t want anyone’s pity.

I set the glass down and finally turned to look at him. Marvin looked different. He was plump better than how thin he looked the last time I saw him, his face was sharper than I remembered. There was something in his eyes—concern, pain, something else I couldn’t name.

"I wish I was here for you sis," he said quietly. "I should’ve…"

"It wouldn’t have changed anything," I cut him off. "They’d still be dead."

His jaw tensed. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. "You’ve been drinking?"

I scoffed. "What gave it away?"

"Mia, you need to stop."

I laughed again, but it was humorless. "And do what, Marvin? Just sit here and pretend I’m okay? Because I’m not."

His expression darkened. "I know you’re not, but drowning yourself in alcohol won’t fix anything."

I ignored him, picking up the glass again.

He reached forward, snatching the drink out of my hand. "That’s enough."

"Give it back." I said, reaching out for the glass.

"No."

I glared at him. "I don’t need you telling me what to do."

"Yeah? Well, maybe you do." His voice was sharp now. "Because you’re acting like you’re the only one who lost him. Like you’re the only one grieving."

I clenched my fists. "He was my dad."

"He was mine too!" Marvin’s voice cracked. "And I refuse to stand here and watch you destroy yourself. I'll die if I lose you too."

I wanted to scream at him, tell him he didn’t understand. But the lump in my throat prevented me. My chest felt like it was caving in.

I turned and walked away. He called after me, but I ignored him. I was no longer in the mood to talk to anyone.

I went upstairs, my feet dragging across the carpet. My heart pounded against my ribs, my head spinning. I walked straight to the balcony, pushing open the doors.

The night air hit me, but it did nothing to clear my mind. I stepped closer to the railing, staring down at the ground below.

It would be so easy, just one step, a swift movement and then the pain would be gone.

I gripped the railing, my breaths coming out shaky. I just wanted it to stop, I want everything to stop.

I lifted one foot…

"Mia!"

Strong arms grabbed me, yanking me backward.

I struggled, but Marvin held me tight, his grip tight. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Let me go!" I thrashed against him, but he refused to loosen his hold.

"Are you insane?" His voice was shaking. "You were about to…"

Tears streamed down my face. "I can’t do this anymore, Marvin. I can’t…"

"You can." His arms tightened around me. "You don’t get to do this, Mia. You don’t get to leave me too. I can't survive without you. Please Mia."

I sobbed against his chest, my entire body shaking.

He held me, whispering, "I’ve got you. I’m not letting you go."

We stayed like that for a long time then we both slept off on the floor.

The next morning, I woke up to hushed voices downstairs. My head was pounding and my throat dry but I pushed myself up, rubbing my eyes before slowly making my way downstairs.

I paused when I saw them, Sophie and Liam, they were discussing with Marvin.

Sophie’s eyes were bloodshot and her face full of worry. She turned when she saw me, immediately coming over to pull me into a hug.

"Oh, Mia…" she whispered. “I'm so sorry baby.”

I stiffened, but after a second, I melted into the hug, my fingers clutching her sweater.

Liam stepped closer, his face solemn. "We saw the news last night."

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

"We’re so sorry," he said softly.

Sophie pulled back slightly, cupping my face. "I’m staying with you for a while, okay?"

I sighed, "You know you don’t have to…"

"I’m not leaving you alone," she said firmly.

Her gaze flickered to Marvin, and he nodded. "Good because she really needs someone to look after her."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, looking away. I wasn’t sure if having people around would help. But I let them have their way because I didn’t have the strength to argue.